The birthday of John the Baptizer is halfway between Christmases. Are you ready for Christmas? Today Jesus may come back and the world may end. Are you ready for Jesus' final coming? If Jesus decided to make this your dying day, would that be fine with you?
Many people, even Christians, are not ready for Christ's comings at Christmas, at the end of the world, or at their deaths. They need John the Baptizer, for his mission is to prepare the way of the Lord (Mk 1:3). He does this by calling us to repentance (Acts 13:24). He also turns "the hearts of fathers to their children and the rebellious to the wisdom of the just, and to prepare for the Lord a people well-disposed" (Lk 1:17). In these ways, John prepares us for the Lord's coming at any time or in any way.
On this birthday, get ready for your deathday, last day, and Christmas day. Respond to John's prophetic message by repenting, forgiving, and changing your lifestyle.
| PRAYER: | Father, I will confess my sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible. St. John the Baptizer, pray for me. |
| PROMISE: | "Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord." –Is 49:4 |
| PRAISE: | St. John the Baptizer was overjoyed to hear the voice of Jesus (Jn 3:29). He obeyed Jesus' command, and thereby enabled Jesus to be confirmed in the Father's love and baptized in the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:16-17). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College